Resiliently secured trim strip



M. MUEHLE RESILIENTLY SECURED TRIM STRIP May 27, 1969 Filed .July 18,196e Sheet l of 3 Pig. L

May 27, 1969 M. MUEHLE RESILIENTLY SECURED TRIM STRIP Filed July 18.196s f3 of 3 Sheet Filed July 18, 1966 May 27, 1969 M. MUEHLE 3,445,978

RESILIENTLY SECURED TRIM STRIP Sheet ,i of 3 rig. 7 ffy. 8

United States Patent O 3,445,978 RESILIENTLY SECURED TRIM STRIP ManfredMuehle, Lohne in Westfalen, Germany, assignor to Heinz Schuermann & Co.,Bielefeld, Germany Filed July 18, 1966, Ser. No. 566,708 Claimspriority, application Germany, July 22, 1965, Sch 37,419 Int. Cl. E06b7/22 U.S. Cl. 52'717 15 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE The presentinvention relates to a holding arrangement. More specifically, theinvention relates to an arrangement for holding window panes and othertypes of panels.

Holding arrangements for window panes and similar types of panels areprovided with molding whichserve to cover the joints between frame andpanel, to maintain the panel in the frame against dislocation, or forsimilar purposes. In such arrangements known from the prior art it washeretofore customary to provide these moldings with projections whichhad to be snapped into corresponding grooves or recesses provided in theframe. This, however, required the maintenance of rather closetolerances during manufacture of the moldings and thus made the moldingsundesirably expensive. Since in this eld even seemingly small economiesin the manufacture can lead to significant overall savings, it hastherefore long been the desire of industry to have a holding arrangementin which tolerance variations of the molding have little or no etiect,thus making possible the manufacture of moldings under mass productionconditions.

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide aholding arrangement which is largely unaffected by tolerance variationsin the molding or, for that matter, in any other component of thearrangement.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide such a holdingarrangement which is simple and economical to manufacture and lendsitself readily to mass production methods.

An additional object of the invention is to provide such a holdingarrangement which will reliably maintain the molding in itspredetermined position and will also serve to locate and maintain thepanel in proper position relative to the frame.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a holdingarrangement in which the surface area available for supporting the panelis not significantly decreased by installation of the moldingorrmoldings.

In an embodiment of my invention I provide a holding arrangement,particularly for window panes and other types of panels, which comprisesa support member, such as a frame, having a face provided with anelongated groove. It will be understood that it is this face on whichthe panel is to be supported. The holding arrangement further includes amolding which extends along the face and has a portion projecting intothe groove, and biasing means which is received at least in part in thegroove in abutting contact with the portion of the molding and with awall bounding the groove. Thus, the biasing means holds the portion ofthe molding in the groove against undesired dislocation from the latter.

The novel features which are considered as characterstic for theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theinvention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method ofoperation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, witlbe best understood from the following description of specificembodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a biasing member for use in conjunctionwith the novel holding arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevation through a frame incorporating the novelholding arrangement;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2. and showing a modification of theembodiment illustrated therein;

FIG. 4 is a schematic detail view of the embodiment in FIG. 2 on anenlarged scale and for explanatory purposes;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing a modification of themolding.

FIG. 7 is an end view of another biasing member for use in conjunctionwith an embodiment of the novel holding arrangement;

FIG. 8 is a section taken on the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional elevation of a frame provided with a holdingarrangement which employs the biasing means shown in FIG. 7.

Discussing now the drawing in detail, and rstly FIG. 1 thereof, it willbe seen that the biasing member shown there comprises a plate-like =rstportion A1, a strip-shaped projection 2 which is inclined with referenceto the general plane of portion '1, and a proled portion or tongue 7which extends downwardly from the portions 1 and 2 and defines a channelhaving a substantially triangular cross-section, with the base of thetriangle facing the underside of the portions 1 and 2. It will beunderstood that the biasing member shown in FIG. 1 may either have thedimensions shown in the drawings, or that it may be strip-shaped and ofany desired length. The member will be made of resilient material, forinstance a synthetic plastic.

Coming now to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the biasing member of FIG. 1is employed in a novel holding arrangement in accordance with thepresent invention. The frame or support member adapted to hold awindow-pane or `a similar panel is indicated with reference numeral 14FIG. 2, showing another and is shown to have a supporting face 14 forthe panel. This face 14 is provided with an elongated groove 11 whoselateral sides are undercut as shown in the drawing. A molding 4 extendsalong one edge of the supporting face 14 and is provided with a portion8 which is received in the groove 11. A section 9 of the portion 8extends substantially parallel with the bottom wall 11' of the groove.11 and projects into one undercut of the latter. The biasing membershown in FIG. l is so arranged that its plate portion 1 overlies atleast a portion of the supporting face 14 while the tongue 7 extendsinto the groove and projects into the undercut into which the section 9of the molding 4 also extends. In fact, section 9 extends into thechannel defined by tongue 7 and deforms the latter.

FIG. 4 shows how the section 9 is received in the channel defined bytongue 7. To facilitate understanding of the arrangement, the tongue 7is shown in FIG. 4 in its original condition, that is before it isdeformed by introduction of the section 9. It will be seen thatintroduction of this section into the channel defined by tongue 7resiliently deforms the latter at all those points at which the lines ofsection 9 are shown as intersecting the lines of tongue 7. In otherwords, wherever the lines of tongue 7 intersects the lines of section 9,the material of tongue 7 will be deformed. The apex of the triangledefined by tongue 7, that is the edge 10 of the latter, abuttinglyengages the bottom wall 11' of groove 11 and the free edge portion 12 oftongue 7 engages the surface 13 of portion 8. Meanwhile, the projection2 extends into a recess 3 of the upwardly projecting portion of molding4, this recess being bounded by surfaces 5, 6 which are upwardlyinclined with reference to the general plane of portion 1 so that theprojection 2 is upwardly deected and tends to exert a downwardlydirected biasing action.

From consideration of FIGS. 2 and 4 it will be clear that a certaintorqueacting in counterclockwise direction-is exerted on the molding 4by the holding member 1, 2, 7. Thus, the molding 4 is reliably securedto frame 14. At the same time it is obvious that tolerance variations inthe manufacture of molding 4 are of little or no significance with thisarrangement because of the deformability of tongue 7 and because of theamount of play of portion 8 and section 9 in the groove 11. Thus, if thesection 9 for instance is somewhat wider than shown in FIG. 2, theentire molding 4 will move slightly to the left (with reference to thedrawing) but section 9 will still be received in the undercut of groove11 and the molding 4 will still rest on the surface portion 15 of frame14, so that the arrangement still guarantees reliable securing ofmolding 4 to frame 14.

The only point to be taken into consideration in the manufacture of thevarious components is that the distance B in groove 11 must be largerthan the width A deriving from a combination of the widths of portion 8and section 9 with the Wall thickness C of the tongue 7. Furthermore,the tongue 7 must engage the free end of section 9 tangentially at twopoints, as shown in FIG. 4, so that it will defiect section 9 to theproper position under all circumstances, that is even when thedimensions B as Well `as A plus C are respectively largest and smallest,while still permitting insertion of the arrangement into the groove 11even when the dimension A is largest and the dimensions B and C aresmallest.

The embodiment in FIG. 3 is substantially the same as that 0f FIG. 2,the differences being that two moldings 4 are to be held by the biasingmember. Thus, the frame 17 is provided with two grooves 18 and 19 andthe biasing member 16 is arranged mirror-symmetrically, that is it hastwo mirror-symmetrically arranged projections 2 and furthermore twomirror-symmetrically arranged tongues 7 which respectively cooperatewith the grooves 18 and 19. The moldings 4 are each provided with aportion 8 and a section 9, which are also mirrorsymmetrical withreference to one another. Otherwise the arrangement is the same as inFIG. 2 and needs n0 further explanation.

The significant difference of the embodiment in FIG. 3 versus that ofFIG. 2 has do to with the provision of two moldings 4, rather than asingle one. As will be seen, the molding 4 shown on the left-hand sideof FIG. 3 has -a different configuration-upwardly of the grooves 18,19-than the right-hand molding 4. Since the lefthand molding 4 is ofconsiderably smaller width than the right-hand molding it will beunderstood that it leaves more free space for the panel which is to besupported. Thus, in an arrangement according to FIG. 3 where twomoldings are provided, the availability of two moldings of differentwidths makes possible three different combinations in which the moldingsrespectively define three different cross-sectional areas betweenthemselves. In other words, two narrow moldings can be used, two widemoldings can be used, or one wide molding can be combined with a narrowmolding as shown in FIG. 3. This is of importance not only with respectto the versatility of the arrangement, but also as far as stockingpolicies are concerned since it is obvious that the stocking of only twodifferent types of molding permits use of the arrangement with panelsrespectively havingl three different cross-sectional dimensions.

Coming now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 it will be seen thatin FIG. 5 the frame is again indicated with reference numeral 17,whereas the molding 20 is provided with a section 21 extending into thegroove 19 parallel to and in contact with the bottom wall thereof. AnS-shaped portion 22 connects the upper portion of molding 20 with thesection 21. The biasing member here is designated with reference numeral23 and is of substantially strip-shaped configuration. One edge portion24 thereof engages in the undercut 25 of the groove 19 whereas the otheredge portion 24 engages the recess existing `at the point where portion22 joins section 21 of molding 20. Thus, the corresponding bulge ofportion 22 is deected into the undercut 25 so that the molding 20 isthus reliably secured to frame 17. FIG. 5 shows the frame 17 to beprovided with not only a single groove 19, but with a second groove 19,but with a second groove 18. It will be obvious that another molding 20can be secured in groove 18 in a manner similar to the arrangement shownin FIG. 5. On the other hand, of course, frame 17 could be provided withonly one groove if only one molding is to be secured thereto.

The embodiment in FIG. 6 is almost identical with that of FIG. 5 exceptfor the fact that the molding 26 is configurated differently from themolding 20 in FIG. 5. Such a molding, which projects laterally of theframe 17, can be used if the frame is to accommodate a panel whose widthis greater than the width of the frame. Otherwise, the embodiment ofFIG. 6 is the same as that of FIG. 5.

Coming now to the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, it will be seen that FIG. 7shows a biasing member, for instance of synthetic plastic materialhaving resilient characteristics which differs from those hereinbeforedescribed. The biasing member of FIG. 7 comprises a resilient projection27, which, as seen in FIG. 9, engages the panel 28 and is deflectedthereby into the position shown in FIG. 9. This projection can be ofone-piece construction, but can also consist of two or more arrayedsections. Furthermore, these sections can be offset with reference toone another transversely to the general plane of the projection 27 isthis is desired.

Projection 27 is integral with a center portion 29 to which it extendsat an angle, and it will be seen from FIG. 8 that center portion 29 inthe exemplary embodiment shown comprises three sections 30, 31 and 32 ofwhich sections 30 and 32 are identical configuration. These sections arevery massive and deformation resistant, a characteristic which isenhanced by the provision of reinforcing ribs 33, 34 on their respectiveupper surfaces. Center section 31 is constructed in form of a resilienttongue provided with a downwardly extending projection 35. A bearingblock 39 is integral with the tongue 31 and preferably has a widthcorresponding to the width of the tongue 31. It is provided withhook-shaped projections 41, 42 corresponding in width to the width ofthe sections 30, 32.

As is evident from FIG. 9 the portion 29 of the biasing member 'isinserted into a channel-shaped space defined by the molding 37 so thatthe projection 35 engages behind a rib 38 provided on the molding 37.The bearing block 39 is supported on a surface of frame 40 anddetermines the position on the biasing member with respect to the frame40. The hook-shaped projections 41 and 42 engages in an undercut 43 ofthe groove 44 provided in frame 40. As shown in FIG. 9, the engagingsurface 46 of projection 27 extends laterally beyond the upper edge 47of molding 37 so that, if a force acting on the panel 28 tends to movethe same in the direction towards the right-hand side of the drawing,the deformation of projection 27 increases while a direct contactbetween the panel 28 and the molding 37 is positively precluded.

Molding 37 is, as will be seen, provided with an additional groove orrecess 48 in which a sealing member 45 of any suitable material isreceived which engages the. panel 28 in sealing relationship so as toprevent the intrusion of moisture or dust into the novel holdingarrangement.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together, may also find a useful application in other types ofholding arrangements differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in aholding arrangement, it is not intended to be limited to the detailsshown, since various modifications and structural changes may be madewithout departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can by applying current knowledgereadily adapt it for various applications without omitting features,that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this inventionand, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to becomprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A holding arrangement, particularly for window panes and other typesof panels, comprising a support member having a face provided with anelongated groove bounded` by a bottom wall and being undercut on atleast one lateral side; a molding extending along said face and having-a portion extending into said groove and partly into said undercut insubstantial parallelism with said bottom wall, said molding having anadditional portion extending from said face substantially normal to thefirstmentioned portion; and biasing means of resiliently compressiblematerial pressing said molding into permanent contact with said face andcomprising a section substantially received in said undercut anddefining a channel of substantially triangular cross-section, thefirst-mentioned portion having an edge region received in said channelresiliently deforming the material of said section so that the biasingaction of the latter urges said section against the other lateral sideof said groove to thereby hold said first-mentioned portion in saidgroove against undesired disclocation from the latter.

2. A holding arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein said additionalportion of said molding is provided with an elongated recess; saidbiasing means further cornprising a strip-shaped projection integralwith said section, said strip-shaped projection being partly received insaid recess of said additional portion and urging the same intoengagement with said face of said support member.

3. A holding arrangement as defined in claim 2, wherein the maximumcross-sectional dimension of said groove exceeds the combinedcross-sectional dimension of said portion of the molding and the wallthickness of said section of said biasing means.

4. A holding arrangement as defined in claim 2, wherein said elongatedrecess is bounded by opposite walls which are downwardly inclined withreference to a horizontal plane, and wherein said strip-shapedprojection has a free edge portion received within said recess and isupwardly inclined in direction toward said free edge portion and withreference to the horizontal plane.

5. A holding arrangement as defined in claim 4, wherein said supportmember is provided in said face thereof with an additional elongatedgroove similar to the firstmentioned and arranged mirror-symmetricallyrelative thereto, wherein said biasing means comprises an additionalfirst projection, an additional section and an additional strip-shapedprojection all arranged mirror-symmetrically with reference to thefirst-mentioned ones; and further comprising a second moldingsubstantially similar to the first-mentioned molding and arrangedmirrorsymmetrically with respect thereto, said additional firstprojection being held in said additional groove against undesireddislocation.

6. A holding arrangement as defined in claim 2, wherein the apex of thetriangle defined by said channel faces the bottom wall of said groove inabutting relationship therewith, said section having a wall facing awayfrom said undercut and engaging said portion inwardly of said edgeregion thereof.

7. A holding arrangement, particularly for window panes and other typesof panels, comprising a support member having a face provided with anelongated groove bounded by a bottom wall and being undercut on bothlateral sides; a molding extending along said face and having a portionextending into said groove substantially parallel with said bottom walland having a projection extending into one of said undercuts; andbiasing means comprising a substantially strip-shaped member ofresiliently compressible material received in said groove and having afirst lateral edge portion extending into the other of said undercutsand a second lateral edge portion engaging said portion of said moldingand urging said projection thereof into said one undercut.

8. A holding arrangement as defined in claim 7, wherein saidstrip-shaped member overlies said portion of the molding.

9. A holding arrangement, particularly for window panes and other typesof panels, comprising a support member having a face provided with anelongated groove undercut at both lateral sides; a molding extendingalong said face and having a first portion extending into said grooveand provided with a projection partially extending one of saidundercuts, and another portion integral with said first portion upwardlyadjacent said groove, said other portion defining a channel extendingalong and communicating with said groove and open on one lateral side;and biasing means comprising an elongated member of resilient materialhaving a first section received in said channel and an integral secondsection extending into said groove and being partially received in theother of said undercuts, said second section resiliently biasing saidmolding in a sense tending to maintain said first portion thereof insaid one undercut.

10. A holding arrangement as defined in claim 9, wherein said biasingmeans further comprises an integral third section extending upwardly andto one side of said first section.

11. A holding arrangement as defined in claim 10, wherein said thirdsection extends to one side of said molding.

12. A holding arrangement as dened in claim 10, wherein said channel isprovided with an elongated rib extending upwardly adjacent said oneundercut of said groove, said lirst section comprising a projectionengaging said rib on a side thereof opposite said other undercut of saidgroove.

13. A holding arrangement as dened in claim 12, wherein said firstsection consists of three longitudinally arrayed elements, saidprojection being provided on a center one of said elements and therespective outer ones of said elements being provided with reinforcingmeans.

14. A holding arrangement as dencd in claim 13, wherein said rst sectioncomprises two portions respectively provided on and integral with saidouter elements.

15. A holding arrangement as dened in claim 14, wherein said twoportions are oiset relative to one another transversely of thelongitudinal extensions of said member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS Germany.

10/ 1941 Switzerland.

HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, Primary Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R.

